The echoes of the sardonic laugh died away. The sinister mirth was ended. Silence, alone, prevailed. The Shadow was gone. The Shadow had laughed!
CHAPTER X
THE CHINESE THEATER
IT was gala night at the Mukden Theater. All the elite of Chinatown had turned out. The reason was the return to America of Foo Chow, one of China’s most celebrated dramatic actors. Since the days of the dowager empress, this famous impersonator had dominated the theaters of old China.
The prices rivaled those of a “Follies” premiere. Chinese first-nighters were entering the playhouse so eagerly that it was difficult to distinguish individuals in the throng. Americans were there, displaying advance reservations.
Joseph Darley and Cleve Branch arrived afoot. Darley had discharged his limousine. He had picked up two friends on the way, and with four seats reserved, there would be room for all the party.
Within, the Mukden Theater resembled a large American playhouse. In fact, it was more American than Chinese, for in its construction, the builders had adopted the most modern plans. The seats which Darley had obtained were on a side aisle. Cleve noticed that there were boxes on both sides, but only the upstairs ones were occupied.
This was probably due to the narrowness of the stage. The aisles converged sharply, And the entire stage was not fully visible even from the spot where Cleve was located. The upper boxes, projecting over the audience, might be satisfactory; but the lower ones were practically useless.
The downstairs portion of the theater was not entirely filled. Darley explained that this was due to the high prices asked for seats. Later in Foo Chow’s engagement, prices would be lower, Then the less wealthy Chinese would throng the playhouse.
The show began. It was Cleve’s first experience in a Chinese theater, and the costumes and gestures of the actors were interesting at the beginning.